Top 5 Common Health Problems in Ferrets and How to Prevent Them

Contents

1 Ear Mites
2 Stomach Worms
3 Obesity
4 Heart Disease
5 Cataracts and Eye Problems
6 Learn about the top 5 common health problems in ferrets and what you can do to prevent them.
7 Conclusion

Read Time:3 Minute, 53 Second

Ferrets can be a very rewarding pet to have, but like any other animal, they require some care and attention. In this article, we’ll go over some of the most common ferret health problems and how to prevent them so that you can ensure your ferrets stay in tip-top shape!

Ear Mites

Ear mites are tiny parasites that live in the ear canal. They cause an irritated and inflamed skin, which can be painful for your ferret.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to bring your ferret in for a checkup:

Excessive scratching of the ears or head
Discharge from the ears (it may look like crusty wax)

Stomach Worms

Stomach worms are a common problem in ferrets. These intestinal parasites can cause diarrhea, weight loss and lethargy.

How do you know if your ferret has stomach worms?
Diarrhea, especially if it contains undigested food or blood
Increased thirst and urination (your pet may drink more water than usual)
A potbelly appearance due to fluid retention in the abdomen

Obesity

If your ferret is overweight, it may have difficulty breathing or moving around. You can tell if your ferret is overweight by gently lifting its stomach with one hand while supporting its back with the other. If there’s a noticeable bulge there, then you need to help him lose weight!

To help him get in shape, feed him less food and provide lots of exercise opportunities–like playing with toys or running around outside (if weather permits). If these aren’t enough to shed those extra pounds, talk to your veterinarian about possible surgical options for more permanent results.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is the most common cause of death in ferrets. In fact, it’s estimated that 30% of all ferrets will develop heart disease at some point during their lives. The good news is that there are a number of steps you can take to help prevent heart disease in your pet and recognize symptoms if they do occur.

Heart disease occurs when the heart muscle becomes weak or damaged due to various factors such as age or genetics; these changes can lead to slower blood flow through the body, which can cause symptoms like weakness, lethargy and weight loss (or gain). Heart failure–the inability for your pet’s heart muscle to pump blood effectively–is usually fatal without treatment so it’s important for owners who notice any suspicious behavior from their furry friend should visit with their veterinarian right away!

Cataracts and Eye Problems

Cataracts are a clouding of the eye’s lens. They can be caused by genetics or old age, but they’re most common in ferrets over 10 years old. Cats and dogs also suffer from cataracts, but they’re much more common in ferrets than other pets due to their unique genetic makeup.

Cataracts can affect all of your ferret’s vision and cause blindness if left untreated; however, surgery can restore sight after surgery has been performed successfully on both eyes.

Learn about the top 5 common health problems in ferrets and what you can do to prevent them.

Ferrets are generally healthy animals, but they do suffer from some common health problems. The following are the top five most common health problems in ferrets and what you can do to prevent them:

Ear mites: These tiny parasites live in your ferret’s ears, causing itching and irritation that can lead to infections if left untreated. You’ll know if your pet has ear mites because he or she will shake his head frequently and scratch at his ears with one paw while holding it up as if he were trying to get something out of them. If you suspect this is happening with your pet, take him or her to see a vet immediately so they can be treated appropriately before any severe damage is done!
Stomach worms: These nasty little critters cause vomiting diarrhea (sometimes bloody) along with weight loss due to malabsorption issues caused by their presence inside their hosts’ bodies–you guessed it–stomachs! Symptoms usually develop within two weeks after exposure though some people may not see signs until months later due to how long these nasty little buggers live inside us without doing anything harmful…until now that is!”

Conclusion

The best thing you can do for your ferrets is to keep them healthy. The best way to do this is by keeping up with their yearly checkups and vaccinations, as well as regular visits with their vet. Remember that if you have any concerns about your pet’s health or behavior, always seek the advice of a veterinarian before attempting any treatment on your own!